This evaluation examined whether risk assessment at the
sentencing stage has proven to be a viable strategy for diverting
nonviolent offenders from incarceration in Virginia.

Abstract:

The evaluation team collected data to assess the risk assessment
instrument during a 3-year pilot test that tracked the success
(as measured by recidivism) of a group of diverted offenders in 6
of Virginia's 31 judicial circuits. The Virginia Criminal
Sentencing Commission (VCSC) designed the risk assessment
instrument to identify -- from among eligible larceny, fraud, and
drug offenders who would otherwise be recommended for
incarceration by State sentencing guidelines -- offenders with
the lowest probability of being reconvicted of a felony crime and
divert them to some form of alternative punishment. The risk
assessment instrument focused on offender characteristics and
demographics, current offense information, prior adult criminal
record, and prior juvenile contact with legal authorities.
Information and data were developed on multiple case and offender
characteristics for all offenders sentenced and diverted between
1997-1999; onsite observations and interviews with judges,
probation officers, prosecutors, and defense counsel were
conducted; and information was collected on the costs and
benefits of diversion and recidivism. Based on its findings, the
evaluation team concluded that the risk assessment instrument has
been successful in identifying low-risk candidates for diversion.
Risk assessment was well-received in the pilot courts by judges
and probation officers. The instrument proved easy to administer,
and the program led to cost savings without jeopardizing the
safety of citizens. Further, the evaluation concluded that the
theoretical framework and statistical analyses used to construct
the risk assessment instrument were well-conceived and employed.
This report recommends that following a revalidation of the
factors included on the risk assessment instrument, the program
should be implemented statewide. Extensive tables and figures,
appended risk-assessment instrument and supplementary
information, and an 80-item bibliography

* A link to the full-text document is provided whenever possible. For documents
not available online, a link to the publisher's web site is provided.

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